PHOTO GALLERY: Paying tribute to America's veterans

Most of us never know, really, what a military veteran has gone through. But that doesn’t mean we’re not appreciative. The Patriot Ledger invited our readers, in print and online, to send us their messages of thanks for veterans. The response was impressive; a sampling is below. To add your own, leave a comment...

The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA

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Posted Nov. 12, 2009 at 12:01 AM
Updated Nov 12, 2009 at 12:03 PM

Posted Nov. 12, 2009 at 12:01 AM
Updated Nov 12, 2009 at 12:03 PM

» Social News

Most of us never know, really, what a military veteran has gone through, but that doesn’t mean we’re not appreciative.

The Patriot Ledger invited our readers, in print and online, to send us their messages of thanks for veterans. The response was impressive; a sampling is below. To add your own, leave a comment on our story at PatriotLedger.com.

“Thank you to the brave Marines: Paul Redmond, Joe Pugsley, and Chris and Garrett Breton from Weymouth. There aren’t enough words to express the respect and gratitude I have for you. I hope you’re all as proud of yourselves as I am for you. Thank you again.”

– Ashley, from Weymouth

“I want to thank my son, who is in Afghanistan on a mission now. I am very proud and pray for his safe return. We all miss and love you. Please keep your head down and your spirit high.”

– Marie Lawson, from Quincy, sent also on behalf of her son Joey and her grandchildren Joe, Jake and Ella

“Nothing is more real than seeing the impact this war has on our fallen soldiers and their families. My son-in-law, Eric Small of Braintree, is a Purple Heart recipient. I would like to thank all the military and their families for putting themselves in harm’s way each day to protect our freedom. You all deserve our respect and gratitude.”

– GiveMEaBreak, at PatriotLedger.com

“Thank you Marine Sgt. Andrew K. Farrar, Jr. – you are a true American hero. You are missed every day. I pray for you and your entire family.”

Join the conversation by calling 781-340-3157 and leaving a short message that we might post as an audio letter. Post a comment on this story or E-mail us at editpage@ledger.com.

“I pray daily for the safety of our soldiers ... who have sacrificed so much for us. May God bring you home safely. You and your families make this country what it is, the home of the free and the brave. You are out of sight, but not out of mind. I hope that this war will end with a peaceful resolution on all. We are all God's people. Take care!!”

Page 2 of 3 - – Jean Casey, from Rockland

“As a currently deployed veteran, I would like to thank my awesome family, friends, neighbors and Quincy (police) for keeping everything safe at home while I am overseas taking care of our wounded warriors. Proudly serving. V/R LCDR NC, USN”

–– 91BRAVO, at PatriotLedger.com

“Thank You Walter E. Jury BMC, who served 23 years in the United States Navy. He served in three wars: World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He served from 1944 and retired from the Navy in 1967. He passed away at 47 years but he believed in this country and gave the best years of his life in serving it.”

– Elva Jury, wife of the late Walter Jury, from Quincy

“I would like to pay tribute to my dad (George R. Johnstone), who was a hero in my eyes. He came here from England at 17 and fought for us Americans. He was a dedicated Marine who loved his family. He died as a result of Agent Orange in Vietnam. I love you and miss you!”

– Kelly ,Mike, Shannon and Amelia, posted at PatriotLedger.com

“I would like to pay respects to my Dad, Dr. Vincent A. Cristiani of Quincy. My father was in the Army and served our country during the Korean War. He has never missed a Veterans or Memorial Day's march in our great city of Quincy. Every holiday, I always bring my family down to watch ‘Papa’ march in the parade. We all wave flags and watch with great pride as he marches with fellow veterans from the Morrisette Post. Dad, thanks for being such a great role model, and thanks for your service to this great country!”

– Firefighter John Cristiani, Rescue 1, from Quincy

“Thank you Staff Sgt. Derek Martin for your service. You have been in the active Army and reserves for 17 years. After a one year tour in Afghanistan after 9/11 and one year in Iraq, you returned home mid-October. I'm so thankful to have you in my life, you are a great friend ... Love ya, Van.

– Charlotte28210, at PatriotLedger.com

“I am so honored to be the daughter of a Vietnam War veteran, Lt. Andrew J. O’Brien of Scituate. I am immensely proud of the sacrifices he and others have made for our country, as well as the men and women who are currently serving in all facets of public service. While my young daughter doesn’t yet understand, whenever she and I are out and about and see a veteran (or one on active duty), we stop them and say, ‘Thank you for serving!’“

– Lily17, at PatriotLedger.com

“I want to thank my husband, Gerard B. Hayes MD, for his service in the Navy. He has just returned from a nine-month deployment with the Seabees in Iraq. He will have served 22 years in the Navy in January. We are glad to have him home and pray for the safe return of all our service members.”

Page 3 of 3 - – Kerry, Emily, Jack , Annie and Peter

“To my son Sgt. Robert F. Gorham, Jr. Thank you so much for everything you have done for our country. We are so proud of you and love you more than you’ll ever know. You came back to us safe and sound from two tours in Iraq and now that you’re getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan, please know you are all in our prayers. I know you'll be back safe, just make sure you all take care of each other over there. As in the past ... The cookies will be coming.”